The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize Ori Engel as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The recent graduate of Yeshivat Noam was a starter on the Noam Knights hockey team this past year and spent the summer catching for the (14U) PBI Eagles club team. This club team has been the most accommodating of Engel’s Shabbat observance. Engel is coming off a fantastic spring season as a member of the TBO Travel 14U team (which lost a nail-biting heartbreaker to Washington Township in the championship game). Engel led the team in almost all offensive categories in batting over 500% and having an OBP of 727%. He was only fanned once the entire season.
When asked about his athletic abilities his PBI Eagles Coach (who also serves as TBO travel instructional coach) Keith Schneider said, “Ori is a very talented catcher with a strong arm. He is a workhorse receiver behind the plate and has a tremendous knowledge of the game.” Noam hockey coach Azriel Rauzman described Engel as a “phenomenal hockey player and a complete mensch. I cannot wait to see what Ori does in high school hockey.”
Ori, congratulations on your junior high graduation. As you begin high school, role models are very important. If you had to select a role model, who would it be?
My brother Gershon, because he always leads with the right example. He is always nice to everyone and teaches me about everything.
What are some of your greatest athletic accomplishments?
Playing on the first line for the Noam Knights, scoring two goals against Ramaz as a defenseman, winning the Teaneck Southern League championship and hitting a triple to score the go-ahead run and being selected by the Teaneck Southern coaches as a catcher for the all-star and district teams.
What is your pre-game routine?
Depending on the sport—stretches and warm-ups and praying my father does not get lost driving to the game.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
# 97 Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, because he is the youngest player ever to be named the captain of a team in NHL history and is a great leader.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Hitting a homerun in TBO t-Ball and forgetting to touch the bases. NEVER will forget that.
What is the the best part of being a Sportstar?
I love the food at the Doghouse.
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By JLNJ Sports DeskBy JLNJ Sports Desk
